Sustainable Development of Catchment Land-use for Multifunctional Agro- ecological Landscapes under a Changing Climate Jana Mrazova, Deakin University, Australia Robert Faggian, Deakin University, Australia Victor Sposito, Deakin University, Australia The IAFOR International Conference on Sustainability, Energy and the Environment Official Conference Proceedings 2017 Abstract Incorporating the likely impacts of climate change into regional and rural planning is vital to accommodate their profound effects on anthropogenic systems such as agriculture that interact with, or are directly dependent on, natural environments. In Australia, adaptation is already occurring at local and regional levels through regulatory shifts, new resource management strategies, and land-use change, both voluntary and forced by regional policies and strategic priorities. Agricultural land- use has been undergoing a transformation. The continuous optimization and direction of adaptation activities provides regional authorities with the opportunity to ensure that economic and environmental benefits are maximized. This paper outlines research assessing potential land use changes over a long planning horizon (to 2070), by looking at impacts of climate change on agricultural sector of Regional Victoria. The modelling indicates that a transition to intensive horticulture would be biophysically possible and economically feasible. Phasing out livestock farming and replacing it with optimally diversified horticulture would enable largescale protection of existing carbon stocks and guide further carbon sequestration efforts. Well managed land-use would also increase overall resilience, while ensuring its contribution to a less carbon-intensive future of the industry. This research will develop new framework assessing land suitability of rural areas under rapid change by analyzing both biophysical and socio-economic factors. The proposed strategic foresight scenarios will take into account risks and opportunities presented by projected land-use shifts in the context of local economy. Keywords: Climate change impacts, adaptation, land-use optimization, strategic foresight, spatial modelling iafor The International Academic Forum www.iafor.org